Blood drives coming up in Village of Oak Creek

Approximately 29,000 units of red blood cells are needed every day in the United States.  Where does all of this blood go?

Treatment of a single car accident victim can require as many as 100 units of blood. According to the American Cancer Society, more than 1.9 million people are expected to be diagnosed with cancer in 2023. Many of them will need blood products, sometimes daily, during their chemotherapy treatment. Sickle cell disease affects 90,000 to 100,000 people in the U.S. About 1,000 babies are born with the disease each year. Sickle cell patients can require blood transfusions throughout their lives.

Blood and platelets cannot be manufactured; they can only come from volunteer donors. Red blood cells must be used within 42 days, so a constant supply is crucial. Fortunately, one donation can help save more than one life. If you have never donated before, haven’t donated in a while, or are a regular blood donor, please consider attending one of the upcoming Red Cross blood drives in your community.

Scheduled drives in West Sedona are: Friday, Jan. 19 – Sunset Village.

Scheduled drives in the Village of Oak Creek are: Wednesday, Nov. 15 - Rotary of Sedona Village @ VOC Church of the Nazarene; and Saturday, Dec. 16 – Sedona Winds Assisted Living.

Scheduled drives in other areas of the Verde Valley are: Monday, Nov. 13 – Qualiwood Meadows Community Assn. in Dewey; Tuesday, Nov. 14 – Spirit of Joy Lutheran Church in Clarkdale.

Check online at redcross.org/blood for newly added drives.

For additional information contact the Yavapai County Bio-Med Volunteer Lead, Janet Dubiel, at janet.dubiel@redcross.org